Josh D’Amaro Named Successor to Bob Iger as Next Disney CEO

The Walt Disney Company announced on Tuesday that Josh D’Amaro, the head of its theme parks division, will succeed Bob Iger as CEO. This transition will take effect on March 18, 2026, following a unanimous vote by the company’s board. D’Amaro, who is 54 years old, has spent 28 years at Disney and is recognized for his inspiring leadership and innovative approach, which the company highlighted in their announcement. Bob Iger has served as CEO for nearly two decades across two separate tenures, returning from retirement to lead the company again in 2022 after replacing former CEO Bob Chapek. D’Amaro's appointment comes after a lengthy period of speculation regarding Iger's successor, with various candidates, including ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro and Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden, being considered. Walden has also been promoted to Disney's creative chief, effective on the same date as D’Amaro's new role. The decision to appoint D’Amaro reflects the company's confidence in his ability to drive strategic growth and navigate the challenges facing Disney in the entertainment industry. As D’Amaro prepares to take over, he has expressed a vision for the company that includes a focus on protecting actors while embracing advancements in artificial intelligence. His leadership style is characterized as one that embraces risk, which may influence Disney's direction under his tenure. The transition marks a significant moment for Disney as it moves forward with new leadership after Iger's long-standing influence.